Malliotakis Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition
(NEW YORK, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced the launch of this year’s Congressional Art Competition, open to all high school students in New York’s 11th Congressional District.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors this nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition encourages student creativity while fostering civic engagement. Since 2009, the Congressional Institute has supported the competition by providing guidance and logistical assistance to congressional offices and hosting the annual Winners’ Celebration at the U.S. Capitol.
In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, students are encouraged to create artwork that celebrates America’s history, heritage, ideals, and the values that define our nation.
“I am pleased to announce this year's Congressional Art Competition and invite high school students across our district to showcase their incredible artistic talents,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to express their creativity. As our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it is especially meaningful to see the next generation reflect on our country, our history, and the values that make America so special through their art.”
2026 Rules for Students and Teachers
The following is a summary of the Congressional Art Competition rules:
Artwork must be two-dimensional.
Artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame.
No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.
Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:
Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (Charcoal and pastel drawings must be fixed.)
Prints: lithographs, silk screen, block prints.
Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Computer-generated art.
Photographs.
Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement), that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting, drawing, etc.).
Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission. In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.
A TYPED copy of the 2026 Student Information and Release Form must be securely attached to the back of the artwork. Please call either the Staten Island Office at 718-568-2870 or the Brooklyn Office at 718-306-1620 to coordinate a drop-off day and time.
Artwork must be submitted to Congresswoman Malliotakis' Staten Island District Office or Brooklyn District Office by Friday, April 24, 2026.
The first-place winner’s artwork will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year and will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for the Exhibition Opening Celebration of their artwork. The second-place winner's artwork will hang in Malliotakis' Washington, D.C. office for one year. The third and fourth-place winners' artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Malliotakis' Staten Island and Brooklyn district offices for one year.